How to use the Turbohaler

You have been given an inhaler to help with the management of your child’s asthma. There are two main kinds of treatment for asthma: relievers and preventers.

Everyone with asthma should have a reliever inhaler. Relievers are medications taken to relieve asthma symptoms such as cough and wheeze. They relax the muscles in the airways within five to ten minutes making it easier to breathe. Reliever inhalers are usually blue.

Preventers are used to help control swelling and inflammation in the airways. They take about two to four weeks to build up effectiveness and should then be taken regularly even when your child is feeling well. Preventer inhalers are various colours.

Medications for asthma are usually inhaled as this goes straight to the airways where they are needed.

There are many different devices for taking reliever or preventer inhalers. It is important that your child’s inhaler technique is checked annually.

Further information can be found from asthma UK or phone 020 7786 5000 Contact: clinical nurse specialist 01223 216585.

1. Unscrew the white cover and remove.
2. Hold main body of Turbohaler upright.
3. To load the Turbohaler, twist the grip at the base as far as it will go and back again. A clicking sound should be heard.
4. Breathe out gently - away from the Turbohaler mouthpiece.
5. Place the mouthpiece in mouth and ensure lips are sealed around the mouthpiece and suck in as hard and deeply as possible.
6. Remove the Turbohaler from your mouth and hold your breath for 10 seconds or as long as is comfortable. Breath out.
7. For further doses repeat steps two to six.
8. Replace the white cover.
9. The dose counter changes from white to red when there are 20 doses left.
10. If you are using the Turbohaler with Symbicort or Pulmicort, remember to rinse your mouth out or have a drink after you inhale your medication.